Betty Bridges

Betty Sue Bridges, age 87, of Portage, MI was loved by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. She died peacefully on December 13 after a long battle with cancer. Betty was born on December 1, 1929 in Lincoln Park to Jack and Irene White. For much of her life Betty dedicated herself to raising her four daughters. She will be remembered as a very caring, giving and loving mother. After raising her four girls, Betty returned to Eastern Michigan University and became a registered nurse working at various hospitals until she retired. She enjoyed helping family, friends and those in need. She especially enjoyed her Wednesday evenings baking and serving dozens of cookies to people in need at First Presbyterian church. Over the years, Betty lived in several places throughout Michigan. Her "special place" was Rainy Lake in Northern Michigan, where many great memories were made. According to her wishes and after cremation, her final resting place will be Ocqueoc Falls Cemetery near Rainy Lake. Her hobbies and interests included gardening, love of birds, bowling, sewing, reading, and politics. She also had a strong faith in God. She is preceded in death by her brothers Bill and Douglas White, her special Aunt Velma whom Betty cared for in her home. Surviving are her four children, Judy (Mike) Jors, Susan (Brad) Thompson, Karen (Fred DaRoche) Bridges, Denise Loos, two brothers, John (Marie) White, Jim (MaryAnn) White, her dog Lilly, nine grandchildren, Jeff (Sandie) Spoering, Michelle Stedman, Nicki Spoering, Karin Jors, Matt Loos, Heather Loos, Jackie (Kirk) Mills, Erik (Janelle) Thompson, Joel (Rochelle) Thompson, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A service honoring Betty's life will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday December 19 at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 W South St, Kalamazoo. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until the time of service on Monday at the Church. A luncheon will follow the service The family requests memorial contributions be directed to Rose Arbor, Kalamazoo, MI.